Group says calmness of Edo people should not be mistaken for cowardice
The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has warned former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to desist from what it described as provocative comments concerning the Edo people, their heritage and the revered Benin traditional institution.
President of the movement, Iyamu Osaro Culture, gave the warning yesterday at a press conference in Benin City, where he said the peaceful disposition of the Edo people should not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice.
Iyamu said the briefing was prompted by what he described as persistent attacks and derogatory remarks allegedly made by Dokubo about the Edo Nation and the Benin monarchy.
He said the Edo people had deliberately maintained decorum despite what he described as repeated public statements capable of provoking them.
“We have imbibed the culture of decorum in the face of the incessant provocation of Asari Dokubo, who parades himself as a traditional ruler, but whose ways, manners and public outbursts are far demeaning of that exalted position,” he said.
The movement’s president expressed concern over what he described as Dokubo’s continued interest in Edo affairs, questioning his alleged preoccupation with the Edo Nation.
Iyamu also rejected claims attributed to Dokubo regarding ownership of land in Edo, describing such assertions as unacceptable to the people.
He condemned what he described as derogatory remarks directed at the Oba of Benin, stressing that the monarch occupies a revered position in the history, culture and identity of the Edo people.
According to him, the movement would not allow the names and legacies of respected Edo sons and institutions to be disparaged without a response.
Iyamu, however, said the Edo people remained committed to peace, law and order, insisting that their restraint should not be interpreted as cowardice.
“That we have been calm does not make us cowards. While we remain law-abiding citizens, we urge him to leave Edo Nation alone,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Iyamu said the movement was not acting as the company’s spokesperson but noted that its corporate social responsibility initiatives were matters that could be verified.
“While we are not holding brief for PINL, we are aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is a verifiable fact. We see and read about their outreach to indigent communities in national dailies and on television stations,” he said.
He also pointed to what he described as increased production and revenue-related developments associated with the company, arguing that allegations concerning PINL should be subjected to verifiable facts rather than speculation.
The movement’s president further defended the reputation of Osahon Okunbo, whom he identified as the son of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, saying the group would resist any attempt to disparage the family’s name.
Iyamu also questioned a claim attributed to Dokubo concerning the alleged annual earnings of PINL, insisting that such a figure should be properly scrutinised against Nigeria’s overall revenue profile.
He maintained that the Edo people remained committed to peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authorities, but would not remain silent in the face of what he described as continued provocation.
Iyamu therefore urged Dokubo to respect the people, heritage and traditional institution of Edo State and refrain from comments capable of creating tension.
He reiterated the movement’s commitment to protecting Edo’s cultural heritage and preserving the dignity of the Benin traditional institution.
